Dobbs Ferry, NY
(914) 693-0531
www.childrensvillage.org
A special 'Thank you' to Ms. Candida Fitts, responsible for Volunteers and Mentoring for the wonderful Tour at Children's Village in Dobbs Ferry, NY!
The Hope Team, consisting of 5 Hope Ambassadors, was in for a surprise during the tour at the Village. From the description on the WebSite, we were aware of some of the programs that the Village provides, but all the words on the WebSite do no justice to what we were about to experience.
Besides an outstanding school program, the boys from the village get the opportunity to a first class sports program, job preparation and to recreational activities. One thing that I became aware of very quickly was the discipline and the politeness of the boys in the village. They seemed to be very grateful for what the staff and the village had to offer. Another great concept was the housing environment. Between 12 and 15 young men manage a household and learn about responsibility. (Frankly, this actually would be a great idea for most young people in order to make the transition from "home" to "independence" smoother.)
During our walk, I couldn't miss the sign on a house that said 'Culinary Institute'. When Ms. Fitts saw my question on my face, she responded very quickly that the young boys can get trained in culinary to prepare them for a job.
We also were treated with a visit to the canine training area and the barber shop where we could witness these young men in training.
After that, we were accepted into a "household" where we could observe the dynamic of the young team supporting each other with home work, chores, and playing games. I was fascinated by the harmony and the hunger for learning!
When we continued our tour, we passed a large bus that served as a computer training lab. Again, this valuable resource was used not only to have a computer lab, but the young team learned to provide computer services and to make money with these services. How brilliant!
Before resuming our trip to Boston, we made one last visit to a group of young boys who worked on the curriculum 'trust' out in the nature in form of games. They readily invited us to be a part of it, and for a few moments, I was a girl.
I am forever grateful for this amazing tour and the kindness I received from Ms. Candida Fitts, the staff and the young men at the Children's Village.
Mission of the Children's Village:
Our mission is to work in partnership with families to help society’s most vulnerable children so that they become educationally proficient, economically productive, and socially responsible members of their communities.
Our Values
Behind this mission lie three core beliefs: First, all children and youth need connections to adults, preferably family members, who believe in them and will remain connected throughout their lives. Second, education, appropriate social behavior, and job skills are essential to functioning independently in society. And third, every human being has strengths and the desire to make his or her life happy and fulfilling; with support and the tools to overcome obstacles, most can and will succeed.
About the Children's Village
Residential Programs
Residential School
Provides a structured, educationally enriched program for youth with behavioral and/or emotional problems
Residential Treatment Facility
Treats children with serious mental health problems
Crisis Residence
An alternative to psychiatric hospitalization for youth in temporary crisis.
Foster Boarding Homes
Finds loving temporary homes for children
Supported Housing
Provides supervised apartments for older youth who are homeless or transitioning from foster care
Sanctuary Shelter
Provides short term shelter for runaways and street-involved youth
Transitional Residence for Alien Children
Keeps minors who are awaiting immigration status decision safe and helps acclimate them to the US
Community Programs
Multi-systemic Therapy
Seeks to keep troubled teenagers at home by providing intensive support to families
OPTIONS Education and Employment Center
Helps older youth become independent through education and job readiness
Pathways to Adulthood
Helps foster youth develop concrete independent living skills
Street Outreach
Goes into the urban centers of Westchester County to engage street-involved youth
WAY Program
Provides 5 years of support to youth leaving CV's residential programs.
Children’s Village recruits foster and adoptive families for children leaving our residential programs, as well as for families or infants and sibling groups referred to us. For foster homes, we specialize in recruiting foster families in the Bronx and Harlem neighborhoods from which most of the children come and provide training and ongoing support.
http://www.childrensvillage.org/
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